Management system, management method, control apparatus, and power generation apparatus

ABSTRACT

An energy management system having a fuel cell apparatus ( 150 ) as a power generator that generates power using fuel, and an EMS ( 200 ) that communicates with the fuel cell apparatus ( 150 ). The EMS ( 200 ) receives messages that indicate the status of the fuel cell apparatus ( 150 ) when normal operation, from the fuel cell apparatus ( 150 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a management system having a powergeneration apparatus which generates power using fuel, and a controlapparatus which communicates with the power generation apparatus, aswell as a management method, a control apparatus, and a power generationapparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, a power management system having a plurality ofequipments, and a control apparatus which controls the plurality ofequipments has been proposed (for example, Patent Literature 1). Theplurality of equipments includes, for example, household electricalappliances such as air conditioners and illumination apparatuses, anddistributed power sources such as photovoltaic cells, storage batteries,and fuel cell apparatus. The control apparatus, for example, is referredto as HEMS (Home Energy Management System), SEMS (Store EnergyManagement System), BEMS (Building Energy Management System), FEMS(Factory Energy Management System), and CEMS (Cluster/Community EnergyManagement System).

For popularizing the above-described management system, generalizationof the message format between the plurality of equipments and thecontrol apparatus is effective, and such a generalization of the messageformat is being tested.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No.2010-128810.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The above-described generalization of the message format has only justbegun, and various investigations need to be conducted with regard tothe message format for appropriately controlling the equipments.

Thus, the present invention has been achieved in order to overcome theabove-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide amanagement system, a management method, a control apparatus, and a powergeneration apparatus capable of appropriately controlling equipments.

A management system according to a first feature includes: a powergeneration apparatus which generates power using fuel, and a controlapparatus which communicates with the power generation apparatus,wherein the control apparatus receives a message indicating a status ofthe power generation apparatus when normal operation.

In the first feature, the control apparatus receives a messageindicating an existence of a function of transmitting the messageindicating the status, before receiving the message indicating thestatus.

In the first feature, the status includes either one of a status wherethe power generation apparatus has stopped and a status where the powergeneration apparatus is generating power.

In the first feature, the status includes any one of stages from a statewhere the power generation apparatus has stopped to a state where thepower generation apparatus generates power.

In the first feature, the status includes any one of stages from a statewhere the power generation apparatus generates power to a state wherethe power generation apparatus has stopped.

In the first feature, the power generation apparatus has a radiator. Thestatus includes whether or not the radiator is being used.

In the first feature, the power generation apparatus has a cell stack.The status includes the temperature of the cell stack.

A management system according to a second feature includes: a hot-watersupply unit, which has a power generation apparatus which generatespower using fuel and a hot-water storage apparatus, and a controlapparatus which communicates with the hot-water supply unit. The controlapparatus receives a message indicating a status of at least one of thepower generation apparatus and the hot-water storage apparatus whennormal operation.

A management method according to a third feature is a method used in amanagement system having a power generation apparatus which generatespower using fuel, and a control apparatus which communicates with thepower generation apparatus. The management method includes: a step ofreceiving, by the control apparatus, a message indicating a status ofthe power generation apparatus when normal operation.

A control apparatus according to a fourth feature communicates with apower generation apparatus which generates power using fuel. The controlapparatus includes: a reception unit which receives a message indicatinga status of the power generation apparatus when normal operation.

A power generation apparatus according to a fifth feature generatespower using fuel. The power generation apparatus includes: atransmission unit which transmits a message indicating a status of thepower generation apparatus when normal operation, to a control apparatuswhich communicates with the power generation apparatus.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide amanagement system, a management method, a control apparatus, and a powergeneration apparatus capable of appropriately controlling equipments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an energy management system 100 according toa first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a consumer's facility 10 according to thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a fuel cell apparatus 150 according to thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a network configuration according to thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an EMS 200 according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a message format according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a message format according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a message format according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a management method according to the firstembodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a management system according to embodiments of the presentinvention will be described with reference to the drawings. In thefollowing drawings, identical or similar components are denoted byidentical or similar reference numerals.

It should be understood that the drawings are schematic only and theratio of dimensions is not to scale. Therefore, specific dimensionsshould be determined with reference to the description below. It isneedless to mention that different relationships and ratio of dimensionsmay be included in different drawings.

[Outline of the Embodiments]

A management system according to embodiments includes: a powergeneration apparatus which generates power using fuel, and a controlapparatus which communicates with the power generation apparatus,wherein the control apparatus receives a message indicating a status ofthe power generation apparatus when normal operation.

In the embodiment, the control apparatus receives a message indicatingthe status of the power generation apparatus when normal operation,rather than the error when a failure occurs in the power generationapparatus. This enables the control apparatus to identify the amount ofpower generated by the power generation apparatus, and the controlapparatus can appropriately control the other equipments (such as a loadand hot-water storage apparatus).

First Embodiment (Energy Management System)

The energy management system according to the first embodiment will bedescribed, below. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an energy managementsystem 100 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the energy management system 100 includes aconsumer's facility, a CEMS 20, a transformer station 30, a smart server40, and an electric generation plant 50. It is noted that the consumer'sfacility, the CEMS 20, the transformer station 30, and the smart server40 are connected by a network 60.

The consumer's facility has a power generation apparatus and a powerstorage apparatus, for example. The power generation apparatus is anapparatus which uses fuel gas to output power such as a fuel cell, forexample. The power storage apparatus such as a secondary battery is anapparatus in which power is stored.

The consumer's facility may be a detached residence, a housing complexsuch as an apartment house. Or, the consumer's facility may be a shopsuch as a corner store or a supermarket. It is noted that the consumer'sfacility may be a business facility such as an office building or afactory.

In the first embodiment, a consumer's facility group 10A and aconsumer's facility group 10B are configured by a plurality of theconsumer's facilities 10. The consumer's facility group 10A andconsumer's facility group 10B are classified into each geographicalregion, for example.

The CEMS 20 controls an interconnection between the plurality ofconsumer's facilities 10 and the power grid. It is noted that the CEMS20 may be also called a CEMS (Cluster/Community Energy ManagementSystem), since the CEMS 20 manages the plurality of consumer'sfacilities 10. Specifically, the CEMS 20 disconnects the plurality ofconsumer's facilities 10 and the power grid at a power failure or thelike. On the other hand, the CEMS 20 interconnects the plurality ofconsumer's facilities 10 to the power grid, for example, at restorationof power.

In the first embodiment, a CEMS 20A and a CEMS 20B are provided. TheCEMS 20A controls an interconnection between the consumer's facilities10 included in the consumer's facility group 10A and the power grid, forexample. The CEMS 20B controls an interconnection between the consumer'sfacilities 10 included in the consumer's facility group 10B and thepower grid, for example.

The transformer station 30 supplies power to the plurality of consumer'sfacilities 10 through a distribution line 31. Specifically, thetransformer station 30 lowers the voltage supplied from the electricgeneration plant 50.

In the first embodiment, a transformer station 30A and a transformerstation 30B are provided. The transformer station 30A supplies power tothe consumer's facilities 10 included in the consumer's facility group10A through a distribution line 31A, for example. The transformerstation 30B supplies power to the consumer's facilities 10 included inthe consumer's facility group 10B through a distribution line 31B, forexample.

The smart server 40 manages a plurality of the CEMSs 20 (here, the CEMS20A and CEMS 20B). Further, the smart server 40 manages a plurality ofthe transformer stations 30 (here, the transformer station 30A and thetransformer station 30B). In other words, the smart server 40 integrallymanages the consumer's facilities 10 included in the consumer's facilitygroups 10A and 10B. For example, the smart server 40 has a function ofbalancing the power to be supplied to the consumer's facility group 10Aand the power to be supplied to the consumer's facility group 10B.

The electric generation plant 50 generates power by thermal power, solarpower, wind power, water power, atomic power or the like. The electricgeneration plant 50 supplies power to the plurality of the transformerstations 30 (here, the transformer station 30A and the transformerstation 30B) through an electric feeder line 51.

The network 60 is connected to each apparatus via a signal line. Thenetwork 60 is an Internet, a wide area network, a narrow area network,and a mobile phone network, for example.

(Consumer's Facility)

The consumer's facility according to the first embodiment will bedescribed, below. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the details of theconsumer's facility according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the consumer's facility includes a distributionboard 110, a load 120, a PV apparatus 130, a storage battery apparatus140, a fuel cell apparatus 150, a hot-water storage apparatus 160, andan EMS 200.

In the first embodiment, the consumer's facility 10 includes an ammeter180. The ammeter 180 is used for the load following control on the fuelcell apparatus 150. The ammeter 180 is arranged downstream of aconnection point between a storage battery apparatus 140 and a powerline (the side away from the grid) and upstream of a connection pointbetween the fuel cell apparatus 150 and the power line (the side closerto the grid), on the power line connecting the storage battery apparatus140 and the fuel cell apparatus 150, and the grid. It is natural thatthe ammeter 180 is arranged upstream (the side closer to the grid) ofthe connection point between the load 120 and the power line.

It must be noted that in the first embodiment, each equipment isconnected to the power line in the short-distance order to the grid ofthe PV apparatus 130, the storage battery apparatus 140, the fuel cellapparatus 150, and the load 120. However, the fuel cell apparatus 150and the storage battery apparatus 140 may be connected in the reverseorder as well.

The distribution board 110 is connected to a distribution line 31 (agrid). The distribution board 110 is connected, via a power line, to theload 120, the PV apparatus 130, the storage battery apparatus 140, andthe fuel cell apparatus 150.

The load 120 is an apparatus which consumes the power supplied via apower line. Examples of the load 120 include an apparatus such as arefrigerator, a freezer, a lighting, and an air conditioner.

The PV apparatus 130 includes a PV 131 and a PCS 132. The PV 131 is anexample of the power generation apparatus, and is a solar light powergeneration apparatus (Photovoltaic Device) which generates power inresponse to reception of solar light. The PV 131 outputs the generatedDC power. The amount of power generated by the PV 131 varies dependingon the amount of solar radiation entering the PV 131. The PCS 132 is anapparatus (Power Conditioning System) which converts the DC power outputfrom the PV 131, into AC power. The PCS 132 outputs the AC power to thedistribution board 110 via a power line.

In the first embodiment, the PV apparatus 130 may include a pyranometerwhich measures the solar radiation entering the PV 131.

The PV apparatus 130 is controlled by an MPPT (Maximum Power PointTracking) method. In particular, the PV apparatus 130 optimizes anoperation point (point determined by an operation-point voltage valueand power value, or a point determined by an operation-point voltagevalue and current value) of the PV 131.

The storage battery apparatus 140 includes a storage battery 141 and aPCS 142. The storage battery 141 is an apparatus which stores power. ThePCS 142 is an apparatus (Power Conditioning System) which converts theAC power supplied from the distribution line 31 (grid), into DC power.Further, the PCS 142 converts the DC power output from the storagebattery 141, into AC power.

The fuel cell apparatus 150 includes a fuel cell 151 and a PCS 152. Thefuel cell 151 is an example of a power generation apparatus, and anapparatus which generates power by using a fuel (gas). The PCS 152 is anapparatus (Power Conditioning System) which converts the DC power outputfrom the fuel cell 151, into AC power.

The fuel cell apparatus 150 is operated by load following control. Inparticular, the fuel cell apparatus 150 controls the fuel cell 151 sothat the power output from the fuel cell 151 reaches a target power ofthe load following control.

The hot-water storage apparatus 160 is an apparatus which eithergenerates hot water using fuel (gas), or maintains the watertemperature. Specifically, the hot-water storage apparatus 160 includesa hot-water storage tank where the water supplied from the hot-waterstorage tank is warmed by the heat generated by burning of fuel (gas) orthe exhaust heat generated by drive (power generation) of the fuel cell151. In particular, the hot-water storage apparatus 160 warms the watersupplied from the hot-water storage tank and feeds the warmed water backto the hot-water storage tank.

It must be noted that in the embodiment, the fuel cell apparatus 150 andthe hot-water storage apparatus 160 configure the hot-water supply unit170 (the hot-water supply system).

The EMS 200 is an apparatus (Energy Management System) which controlsthe PV apparatus 130, the storage battery apparatus 140, the fuel cellapparatus 150, and the hot-water storage apparatus 160. Specifically,the EMS 200 is connected to the PV apparatus 130, the storage batteryapparatus 140, the fuel cell apparatus 150, and the hot-water storageapparatus 160 via a signal line, and controls the PV apparatus 130, thestorage battery apparatus 140, the fuel cell apparatus 150, and thehot-water storage apparatus 160. Further, the EMS 200 controls anoperation mode of the load 120 to control the power consumption of theload 120.

Further, the EMS 200 is connected, via the network 60, to various typesof servers. The various types of servers store information such as apurchase unit price of power supplied from a grid, a sales unit price ofthe power supplied from the grid, and a purchase unit price of fuel, forexample (hereinafter, energy rate information).

Alternatively, various types of servers store information for predictingthe power consumption of the load 120 (hereinafter, consumed-energyprediction information), for example. The consumed-energy predictioninformation may be generated on the basis of an actual value of thepower consumption of the load 120 in the past, for example.Alternatively, the consumed-energy prediction information may be a modelof the power consumption of the load 120.

Alternatively, various types of servers store information for predictingan amount of power generated by the PV 131 (hereinafter,PV-power-generation-amount prediction information), for example. ThePV-power-generation prediction information may be a predicted value of asolar radiation entering the PV 131. Alternatively, thePV-power-generation prediction information may be a weather forecast, aseason, and hours of sunlight, for example.

(Fuel Cell Apparatus)

Hereinafter, the fuel cell apparatus according to the first embodimentwill be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a fuel cell apparatus 150according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fuel cell apparatus 150 includes a fuel cell151, a PCS 152, a blower 153, a desulfurizer 154, an ignition heater155, a radiator 156, and a control board 157.

The fuel cell 151 is an apparatus which uses fuel gas to output power,as described above. Specifically, the fuel cell 151 includes a reformer151A and a cell stack 151B.

The reformer 151A generates reformed gas from the fuel gas obtained byremoving an odorant by the desulfurizer 154 described later. Thereformed gas is comprised of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.

The cell stack 151B generates power upon chemical reaction between air(oxygen) supplied from the blower 153 described later and the reformedgas. Specifically, the cell stack 151B has a structure obtained bystacking a plurality of cells on top of one another. Each cell has astructure in which an electrolyte is sandwiched between a fuel electrodeand an air electrode. The fuel electrode is supplied with reformed gas(hydrogen) and the air electrode is supplied with air (oxygen). In theelectrolyte, a chemical reaction between reformed gas (hydrogen) and air(oxygen) occurs, and as a result, power (DC power) and heat aregenerated.

The PCS 152 is an apparatus which converts the DC power output from thefuel cell 151 into AC power, as described above.

The blower 153 supplies the fuel cell 151 (cell stack 151B) with air.The blower 153 is configured by a fan, for example.

The desulfurizer 154 removes the odorant included in fuel supplied fromoutside. Fuel may be city gas or LP gas.

The ignition heater 155 ignites fuel not chemically reacted in the cellstack 151B (hereinafter, unreacted fuel), and maintains a temperature ofthe cell stack 151B at high temperature. That is, the ignition heater155 ignites the unreacted fuel leaked from an opening of each cellconfiguring the cell stack 151B. It should be noted that the ignitionheater 155 may suffice to ignite the unreacted fuel in a case where theunreacted fuel is not burnt (for example, when the fuel cell apparatus150 is started). Then, once ignited, when the unreacted fuel graduallyleaked from the cell stack 151B keeps on burning, the temperature of thecell stack 151B is kept at high temperature.

The radiator 156 cools the cell stack 151B so that the temperature ofthe cell stack 151B does not exceed the upper limit of the acceptabletemperature. For example, in a case where the temperature of the cellstack 151B exceeds the upper limit of the acceptable temperature even ifthe heat of the cell stack 151B is used in the hot-water storageapparatus 160, the radiator 156 cools the cell stack 151B. It must benoted that the state when the radiator 156 is being used is the statewhen the operating efficiency of the fuel cell apparatus 150 declinessince the heat of the cell stack 151B is not being used effectively.

The control board 157 is a board mounted with a circuit which controlsthe fuel cell 151, the PCS 152, the blower 153, the desulfurizer 154,and the ignition heater 155.

In the first embodiment, the cell stack 151B is an example of a powergeneration unit which generates power by a chemical reaction. Thereformer 151A, the blower 153, the desulfurizer 154, the ignition heater155, the radiator 156, and the control board 157 are an example ofauxiliaries which supports the operation of the cell stack 151B.Moreover, a part of the PCS 152 may be handled as the auxiliaries.

In the first embodiment, as an operation mode of the fuel cell apparatus150, a power generation mode, an idling mode, and a constant temperaturemode are provided.

The power generation mode is an operation mode (load following control)in which the power output from the fuel cell 151 (cell stack 151B) iscontrolled to follow the power consumption of the load 120 connected tothe fuel cell apparatus 150. In particular, in the power generationmode, so that the product of a current value detected by the ammeter 180and power detected by the PCS 152 becomes target received power, thepower output from the fuel cell 151 is controlled. Here, it should benoted here that the fuel cell apparatus 150 is arranged downstream ofthe ammeter 180, and thus, the power consumption of the auxiliaries alsois covered by the power output from the fuel cell 151.

Here, the temperature of the cell stack 151B in the power generationmode is maintained at 650 to 1000° C. (for example, about 700° C.) as apower generation temperature, upon chemical reaction and burning of anunreacted fuel. Such a power generation temperature, that is, whenreformed gas (hydrogen) and air (oxygen) are obtained, is in atemperature range in which a chemical reaction is promoted.

Incidentally, it is also possible to completely stop the fuel cellapparatus 150. For example, the fuel cell apparatus 150 may becompletely stopped when the fuel cell apparatus 150 is not used for along time. However, when the fuel cell apparatus 150 is completelystopped, the auxiliaries also stops and the temperature of the fuel cell151 (the cell stack 151B) drops. Therefore, a long time is needed forthe temperature of the fuel cell 151 (the cell stack 151B) to rise up toan extent where power can be generated, and the load followingcharacteristic declines. Therefore, in the first embodiment, in order toavoid, to the utmost, a complete stoppage of the fuel cell apparatus150, the idling mode and the constant temperature mode are provided inthe operation mode of the fuel cell apparatus 150.

The idling mode is an operation mode in which the power consumption ofthe auxiliaries is covered by the power output from the fuel cell 151(the cell stack 151B). However, it should be noted that in the idlingmode, the power consumption of the load 120 is not covered by the poweroutput from the fuel cell 151.

Here, the temperature of the cell stack 151B in the idling mode ismaintained at a power generation temperature (for example, about 700°C.) similar to that in the power generation mode, by a chemical reactionand burning of an unreacted fuel. That is, the temperature of the cellstack 151B in the idling mode is in a temperature range in which achemical reaction is promoted once reformed gas (hydrogen) and air(oxygen) are obtained, similarly to the power generation mode. Theidling mode is an operation mode applied when a power failure occurs,for example.

The constant temperature mode is an operation mode in which the powerconsumption of the auxiliaries is covered by the power supplied fromoutside, and the cell stack 151B is kept within a predeterminedtemperature range. In the constant temperature mode, the powerconsumption of the auxiliaries may be covered by the power supplied fromthe grid, and may be covered by the power supplied from the PV 131 orthe storage battery 141. In the constant temperature mode, the poweroutput from the fuel cell 151 (the cell stack 151B) is smaller than, atleast, the power consumption of the auxiliaries, and as in the idlingmode, the power just falls short of the strength allowing theauxiliaries to be operated. For example, in the constant temperaturemode, the power is not output from the fuel cell 151 (the cell stack151B).

Here, the temperature of the cell stack 151B in the constant temperaturemode is kept, primarily, by the burning of an unreacted fuel. Further,the temperature of the cell stack 151B in the constant temperature modeis lower than the temperature of the cell stack 151B in the powergeneration mode. Likewise, the temperature of the cell stack 151B in theconstant temperature mode is lower than the temperature of the cellstack 151B in the idling mode. However, as a result of burning of theunreacted fuel, the temperature of the cell stack 151B in the constanttemperature mode is kept at a certain level of high temperature (apredetermined temperature range).

In the first embodiment, the predetermined temperature range is slightlylower than the power generation temperature, for example, at about 450°C. to 600° C., and is in a temperature range in which a sufficientchemical reaction is less likely to take place even when the reformedgas (hydrogen) and air (oxygen) are obtained. When the temperature ofthe cell stack 151B is in a predetermined temperature range, thereaction speed of a chemical reaction is insufficient, and thus, thevoltage output from the fuel cell 151 (the cell stack 151B) is lowerthan rated voltage (for example, 200V). In the constant temperaturemode, a chemical reaction may not be caused at all, or a slight chemicalreaction may be caused. However, the predetermined temperature range isobviously higher than a normal temperature. Thus, in the constanttemperature mode, even when it becomes necessary to generate power, ittakes less time to reach a temperature at which the chemical reaction ispromoted as compared to a state where complete stoppage occurs, and thetime until the required power is output is shortened (the load followingcharacteristic is high).

Furthermore, the amount of fuel gas supplied to the fuel cell apparatus150 in the constant temperature mode is smaller than the amount of fuelgas supplied to the fuel cell apparatus 150 in the power generationmode.

(Network Configuration)

Hereinafter, a network configuration according to the first embodimentwill be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a network configurationaccording to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the network is configured by the load 120, the PVapparatus 130, the storage battery apparatus 140, the fuel cellapparatus 150, the hot-water storage apparatus 160, the EMS 200, and theuser terminal 300. The user terminal 300 includes a user terminal 310and a user terminal 320.

The user terminal 310 is connected to the EMS 200, and displays theinformation for visualization of energy consumption (hereinafter, thevisualization information) of each equipment (the load 120, the PVapparatus 130, the storage battery apparatus 140, the fuel cellapparatus 150, and the hot-water storage apparatus 160) through a webbrowser. In such a case, the EMS 200 generates the visualizationinformation in a format such as HTML, and transmits the generatedvisualization information to the user terminal 310. The connection typebetween the user terminal 310 and the EMS 200 may be wired or may bewireless.

The user terminal 320 is connected to the EMS 200, and displays thevisualization information through an application. In such a case, theEMS 200 transmits the information showing the energy consumption of eachequipment to the user terminal 320. The application of the user terminal320 generates the visualization information on the basis of theinformation received from the EMS 200, and displays the generatedvisualization information. The connection type between the user terminal320 and the EMS 200 may be wired or may be wireless.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the fuel cell apparatus 150and the hot-water storage apparatus 160 configure the hot-water supplyunit 170. Therefore, the hot-water storage apparatus 160 need notnecessarily possess the function of communicating with the EMS 200. Insuch a case, the fuel cell apparatus 150 substitutes the hot-waterstorage apparatus 160 and communicates messages concerning the hot-waterstorage apparatus 160 with the EMS 200.

In the first embodiment, the communication between the EMS 200 and eachequipment (the load 120, the PV apparatus 130, the storage batteryapparatus 140, the fuel cell apparatus 150, and the hot-water storageapparatus 160) is performed by a method which is in accordance with apredetermined protocol. The predetermined protocol could be, forexample, a protocol called the “ECHONET Lite” or the “ECHONET”. However,the embodiment is not restricted to these protocols, and thepredetermined protocol could also be a protocol other than the “ECHONETLite” or the “ECHONET” (for example, ZigBee (registered trademark)).

(Configuration of EMS)

Hereinafter, an EMS according to the first embodiment will be described.FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an EMS 200 according to the firstembodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the EMS 200 has a reception unit 210, a transmissionunit 220, and a control unit 230.

The reception unit 210 receives various types of signals from anapparatus connected via a signal line. For example, the reception unit210 may receive information indicating the amount of power generated bythe PV 131, from the PV apparatus 130. The reception unit 210 mayreceive information indicating the amount of power to be stored in thestorage battery 141, from the storage battery apparatus 140. Thereception unit 210 may receive information indicating the amount ofpower generated by the fuel cell 151, from the fuel cell apparatus 150.The reception unit 210 may receive information indicating the amount ofhot water to be stored in the hot-water storage apparatus 160, from thehot-water storage apparatus 160.

In the first embodiment, the reception unit 210 may receive energycharge information, energy consumption prediction information, and PVpower-generation amount prediction information from the various types ofservers via the network 60. However, the energy charge information, theenergy consumption prediction information, and the PV power-generationamount prediction information may be stored in advance in the EMS 200.

The transmission unit 220 transmits various types of signals to anapparatus connected via a signal line. For example, the transmissionunit 220 transmits a signal for controlling the PV apparatus 130, thestorage battery apparatus 140, the fuel cell apparatus 150, and thehot-water storage apparatus 160, to each apparatus. The transmissionunit 220 transmits a control signal for controlling the load 120, to theload 120.

The control unit 230 controls the load 120, the PV apparatus 130, thestorage battery apparatus 140, the fuel cell apparatus 150, and thehot-water storage apparatus 160.

In the first embodiment, the control unit 230 instructs the operationmode of the fuel cell apparatus 150 to the fuel cell apparatus 150. Inthe first embodiment, the operation mode of the fuel cell apparatus 150includes the power generation mode (load following control), the idlingmode, and the constant temperature mode, as described above.

When the power output from the fuel cell 151 (the cell stack 151B)exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 230 performscontrol to operate the fuel cell apparatus 150 in the power generationmode. On the other hand, for example, when the power output from thefuel cell 151 (the cell stack 151B) falls below a predeterminedthreshold value, the control unit 230 controls the fuel cell apparatus150 to operate in the constant temperature mode. Furthermore, thecontrol unit 230 controls the fuel cell apparatus 150 to operate in theidling mode when a power failure occurs, for example.

(Transmitting and Receiving Messages)

In the first embodiment, the EMS 200 (the reception unit 210) receives amessage indicating the type of the fuel cell apparatus 150, or a messageindicating the status of the fuel cell apparatus 150 when the fuel cellapparatus 150 is operating normally, from the hot-water supply unit 170(the control board 157 of the fuel cell apparatus 150, in theembodiment). In other words, the control board 157 of the fuel cellapparatus 150 configures a transmission unit which transmits theabove-described messages.

Here, the type of the fuel cell apparatus 150 includes any one of theSolid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), the Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC),the Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC), the Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell(MCFC), and the gas engine generator.

It must be noted that the status of the fuel cell apparatus 150indicates the status of the fuel cell apparatus 150 when the normaloperation rather than the error when a failure occurs in the fuel cellapparatus 150.

For example, the status of the fuel cell apparatus 150 includes eitherone of the status that the fuel cell apparatus 150 has stopped and thestatus that the fuel cell apparatus 150 is generating power. When thetype of the fuel cell apparatus 150 is SOFC, PEFC, PAFC, or MCFC,continuous use of the fuel (gas) is more likely to occur in theequipment. Therefore, in order to prevent the continuous consumption ofgas over too long a period of time due to some reasons, the fuel cellapparatus 150 may have a configuration which enables forced stopping(hereinafter, planned stopping) after a certain period of time. Plannedstopping, by no means, refers to stopping due to an error such as afailure, and even when the fuel cell apparatus 150 restores from anoperation stop and resumes an operation, the fuel cell apparatus 150stops again after some time has passed. For example, from among thedifferent types of fuel cell apparatus 150, particularly in the case ofSOFC, it is considered to be preferable to stop the fuel cell apparatus150 before the timing of reaching the fixed period of time (for example,27 days) when the gas meter judges a gas leakage. On the other hand, inthe case of PEFC, stopping is performed for one hour, once a day, forexample. Such a difference in measures results from the fact that theconfiguration for inducing a chemical change is different even for thesame fuel cell, or from the length of the time from stopping state tooperating state due to a difference in the reaction temperature of thepower generation unit, for example. Thus, such information concerning“operating”, “stopped”, the stopped period, if the apparatus hasstopped, or the scheduled day of stopping the apparatus in future isalso included in the status, and the EMS 200 receives a messageindicating the status. Thus, as a result of receiving the messageindicating the status in this manner by the EMS 200, the EMS 200identifies the type of the fuel cell apparatus 150, and based on this,can identify conditions such as the period of stopping of the operationfor each type, and the periodic cycle of stopping, and thereby judgesthat an operation stop within these conditions is planned stopping andnot a failure. Conversely, if stopping of the fuel cell apparatus 150does not match the stopping plan for each type of the fuel cellapparatus 150, the EMS 200 may generate warning information indicatingthe occurrence of some error, and notify the same to the user. Inaddition, the EMS 200 receives such information on planned stopping foreach type of the fuel cell apparatus 150, and by further identifying thestopping plan, sets a higher level of accuracy for the predictionaccuracy of the future amount of power generation, and can thusappropriately control the other equipments (such as the load 120).

Moreover, the status of the fuel cell apparatus 150 includes any one ofa plurality of stages from the state when the fuel cell apparatus 150 isgenerating power up to the state when the fuel cell apparatus 150 hasstopped. Here, if the type of the fuel cell apparatus 150 is SOFC,approximately one day is needed to reach the state when the fuel cellapparatus 150 has stopped from the state when the fuel cell apparatus150 is generating power. Therefore, as a result of reception of amessage indicating such a status by the EMS 200, the EMS 200 identifiesthe amount of power generated by the fuel cell apparatus 150, and canthereby appropriately control the other equipments (such as the load120). Alternatively, the message indicating the status may be the timerequired until stopping, or the time of stopping.

Else, the status of the fuel cell apparatus 150 includes whether or notthe radiator 156 is being used. As described earlier, in the state wherethe radiator 156 is being used, the entire exhaust heat cannot berecovered by the hot-water storage apparatus 160, and therefore, it canbe called the state where heat is being radiated in the air, that is,the state where the operating efficiency of the fuel cell apparatus 150drops. Therefore, as a result of reception of a message indicating sucha status by the EMS 200, the EMS 200 identifies the operating efficiencyof the fuel cell apparatus 150, and can thereby appropriately controlthe other equipments (such as the hot-water storage apparatus 160). Forexample, the state where a radiating unit such as the radiator 156 isbeing used is the state where the amount of usage of hot water is lessand the amount of the stored hot water in the hot-water storageapparatus 160 has increased, and the use of exhaust heat in thehot-water storage apparatus 160 has declined. Therefore, the EMS 200 mayperform control to improve the exhaust heat recovery rate by furtherincreasing the set temperature as compared to the already set hot watertemperature in the hot-water storage apparatus 160, or by increasing theset amount of hot water to be stored, for example. Alternatively, sincethe exhaust heat cannot be used, the EMS 200 may be transferred to theidling mode or the constant temperature mode by calculating the energyusage efficiency and refraining from the aggressive use of the fuel cellapparatus 150 until the amount of the stored hot water in the hot-waterstorage apparatus 160 declines. In addition, the EMS 200 may performcontrol so as to reduce the power consumption of the load 120 within theconsumer's facility by as much as the amount of decline in the suppliedpower as a result of such a decline in the output of the fuel cellapparatus 150. That is, depending on the existence of usage of theradiator 156, the EMS 200 can aim for a further improvement in theenergy efficiency by changing the settings of the hot-water storageapparatus 160, or changing the operation mode of the fuel cellapparatus, or, further, by controlling the operating status of the otherequipments (such as the load 120).

Alternatively, the status of the fuel cell apparatus 150 includes thetemperature of the cell stack 151B (the power generation unit). Here, ifthe type of the fuel cell apparatus 150 is SOFC, the amount of powergenerated by the fuel cell apparatus 150 varies largely depending on thetemperature of the cell stack 151B. Therefore, as a result of receptionof a message indicating such a status by the EMS 200, the EMS 200identifies the amount of power generated by the fuel cell apparatus 150,and can thereby appropriately control the other equipments (such as theload 120). Depending on the temperature of the cell stack 151B, the EMS200 can also identify the stage between the state when the fuel cellapparatus 150 is generating power and the state when the fuel cellapparatus 150 has stopped.

In the first embodiment, before the reception of a message indicatingthe type of the fuel cell apparatus 150, the EMS 200 (the reception unit210) receives a message indicating the existence of a function oftransmitting the message indicating the type of the fuel cell apparatus150, from the hot-water supply unit 170. Alternatively, before thereception of a message indicating the status of the fuel cell apparatus150 when the fuel cell apparatus 150 is operating normally, the EMS 200(the reception unit 210) receives a message indicating the existence ofa function of transmitting the message indicating the status of the fuelcell apparatus 150 when the fuel cell apparatus 150 is operatingnormally, from the hot-water supply unit 170. In the present embodiment,a form in which the radiator 156 is installed in the fuel cell apparatus150 was shown, but the radiator 156 may be arranged in the hot-waterstorage apparatus 160. In a case where the temperature of the hot waterstored in the hot-water storage apparatus 160 exceeds the upper limit ofthe acceptable temperature, the radiator 156 cools the hot water. Insuch a case, a message indicating the status of the above-mentionedradiator 156 may be sent to the EMS 200.

In the first embodiment, the EMS 200 (the transmission unit 220)transmits a message indicating the type of the fuel cell apparatus 150,or a message requesting the message indicating the status of the fuelcell apparatus 150 when the fuel cell apparatus 150 is operatingnormally, to the hot-water supply unit 170 (the control board 157 of thefuel cell apparatus 150, in the embodiment).

In the first embodiment, before the reception of a message indicatingthe type of the fuel cell apparatus 150, the EMS 200 (the transmissionunit 220) transmits a message requesting the message indicating theexistence of a function of transmitting the message indicating the typeof the fuel cell apparatus 150, to the hot-water supply unit 170.Alternatively, before the reception of a message indicating the statusof the fuel cell apparatus 150 when the fuel cell apparatus 150 isoperating normally, the EMS 200 (the transmission unit 220) transmits amessage requesting the message indicating the existence of a function oftransmitting the message indicating the status of the fuel cellapparatus 150 when the fuel cell apparatus 150 is operating normally, tothe hot-water supply unit 170.

(Message Format)

Hereinafter, the message format according to the first embodiment willbe described. FIG. 6 through FIG. 8 are diagrams showing an example of amessage format according to the first embodiment.

For example, the message indicating the type of the fuel cell apparatus150 includes the format shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, the messageincludes a field of the message type and a field of the type of the fuelcell apparatus 150.

The field of the message type indicates the type of the message, and inthe first embodiment, it indicates that the message includes the type ofthe fuel cell apparatus 150. The field of the message type is common foreach message.

The field of the type of the fuel cell apparatus 150 indicates the typeof the fuel cell apparatus 150. For example, the type of the fuel cellapparatus 150 is the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), the PolymerElectrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC), or the gas engine.

The message indicating the status of the fuel cell apparatus 150 whenthe fuel cell apparatus 150 is operating normally includes the formatshown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the message includes a field of themessage type and a field of the status.

The field of the message type indicates the type of the message, and inthe first embodiment, it indicates that the message includes the statusof the fuel cell apparatus 150. The field of the message type is commonfor each message.

The field of the status indicates the status of the fuel cell apparatus150. In the case shown in FIG. 7, the status of the fuel cell apparatus150 is displayed using different code spaces for each type of the fuelcell apparatus 150. Therefore, the EMS 200 can designate the type of thefuel cell apparatus 150 by referencing the code space of the field ofthe status.

Alternatively, the message indicating the status of the fuel cellapparatus 150 when the fuel cell apparatus 150 is operating normallyincludes the format shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 8, the messageincludes a field of the type of the fuel cell apparatus 150, a field ofthe message type, and a field of the status.

The field of the type of the fuel cell apparatus 150 indicates the typeof the fuel cell apparatus 150. For example, the type of the fuel cellapparatus 150 is the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), the PolymerElectrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC), or the gas engine.

The field of the message type indicates the type of the message, and inthe first embodiment, it indicates that the message includes the statusof the fuel cell apparatus 150. The field of the message type is commonfor each message.

The field of the status indicates the status of the fuel cell apparatus150. The code space of the field of the status is common for eachmessage.

(Management Method)

Hereinafter, the management method according to the first embodimentwill be described. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing a managementmethod of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, in step S10, the EMS 200 transmits a message (a codegroup request) requesting a code group supported by the hot-water supplyunit 170, to the hot-water supply unit 170. The code group request is anexample of a message requesting the message indicating the existence ofa function of transmitting the message indicating the type of the fuelcell apparatus 150. Alternatively, the code group request is an exampleof a message requesting the message indicating the existence of afunction of transmitting the message indicating the status of the fuelcell apparatus 150 and the hot-water storage apparatus 160 when the fuelcell apparatus 150 and the hot-water storage apparatus 160 are operatingnormally.

In step S20, the hot-water supply unit 170 transmits a message (a codegroup response) indicating the code group supported by the hot-watersupply unit 170, to the EMS 200. The code group response is an exampleof a message indicating the existence of a function of transmitting themessage indicating the type of the fuel cell apparatus 150.Alternatively, the code group response is an example of a messageindicating the existence of a function of transmitting the messageindicating the status of the fuel cell apparatus 150 and the hot-waterstorage apparatus 160 when the fuel cell apparatus 150 and the hot-waterstorage apparatus 160 are operating normally.

In step S30, the EMS 200 transmits a message (a type request) requestingthe type of the fuel cell apparatus 150, to the hot-water supply unit170.

In step S40, the hot-water supply unit 170 transmits a message (typeresponse) indicating the type of the fuel cell apparatus 150, to the EMS200.

In step S50, the EMS 200 transmits a message (a status request)requesting a status of the hot-water supply unit 170 when the hot-watersupply unit 170 is operating normally, to the hot-water supply unit 170.

In step S60, the fuel cell apparatus 150 transmits a message (a statusresponse) indicating the status of the hot-water supply unit 170 whenthe hot-water supply unit 170 is operating normally, to the EMS 200

As described above, in the first embodiment, the EMS 200 receives themessage indicating the type of the power generation apparatus (the fuelcell apparatus 150), which enables it to appropriately control the powergeneration apparatus (the fuel cell apparatus 150).

In the first embodiment, the EMS 200 receives a message indicating thestatus of the hot-water supply unit 170 when the normal operation,rather than the error when a failure occurs in the hot-water supply unit170. This enables the EMS 200 to identify the amount of power generatedby the power generation apparatus (the fuel cell apparatus 150), forexample, and the EMS 200 can appropriately control the other equipments(such as a load and hot-water storage apparatus).

Other Embodiments

Although the present invention has been described with reference to theembodiment described above, it should not be understood that thediscussion and drawings constituting a part of the disclosure arelimiting the present invention. Various alternative embodiments,examples and operation technology will be apparent to a person skilledin the art from the present disclosure.

For example, it is mentioned above that the fuel cell apparatus 150 isoperated in the idling mode during the grid power failure; however, ifthere is a power demand in a load, it may be possible to operate in aself-sustained operation mode in which the power which matches thedemand is output. In the self-sustained operation mode, the fuel cellapparatus 150 not only supplies power to the auxiliaries by the fuelcell 151 itself, but also increases the output of the fuel cell 151 sothat an output power matching the demand in the load connected to thefuel cell apparatus 150 is obtained. That is, the self-sustainedoperation mode and the idling mode differ in terms of whether or not tooutput the generated power externally; however, these modes are uniformin terms of the fact that during a grid power failure, the power supplyto the auxiliaries is covered by self power generation. Therefore, forthe sake of convenience, the two modes in which the power supply to theauxiliaries during a grid power failure is covered by self powergeneration may be called autonomous supply modes.

Further, it is mentioned above that in the constant temperature mode,the power consumption of the auxiliaries is covered by the power supplyfrom the grid; however, it may be covered by the output from the PVapparatus 130 or the storage battery apparatus 140.

The EMS 200 may be HEMS (Home Energy Management System), may be SEMS(Store Energy Management System), may be BEMS (Building EnergyManagement System), and may be FEMS (Factory Energy Management System).

In the embodiment, the consumer's facility 10 includes the load 120, thePV apparatus 130, the storage battery apparatus 140, the fuel cellapparatus 150, and the hot-water storage apparatus 160. However, it maysuffice that the consumer's facility 10 includes at least the fuel cellapparatus 150 and the hot-water storage apparatus 160.

In the embodiment, the message indicating the status of the fuel cellapparatus 150 includes the status of the fuel cell apparatus 150 whenthe normal operation, but can also include the status indicating theerror when a failure occurs in the fuel cell apparatus 150.

Although not particularly mentioned in the embodiment, it is preferableto perform transmission and reception of the code group request and thecode group response at the timing of performing the initial settings ofthe fuel cell apparatus 150, the timing of restoration from a powerfailure, the timing of turning ON the power supply of the fuel cellapparatus 150, the timing of turning ON the power supply of the EMS 200,and the timing when it becomes necessary to check the settings of thefuel cell apparatus 150.

As described above, needless to say, the present invention includesvarious embodiments and the like not described here. Moreover, it isalso possible to combine the above-described embodiments andmodifications. Therefore, the technical range of the present inventionis to be defined only by the inventive specific matter according to theadequate claims from the above description.

It is noted that the entire content of Japan Patent Application No.2012-174454 (filed on Aug. 6, 2012) is incorporated in the presentapplication by reference.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide amanagement system, a management method, a control apparatus, and a powergeneration apparatus capable of appropriately controlling equipments.

1. A management system comprising: a power generation apparatus whichgenerates power using fuel, and a control apparatus which communicateswith the power generation apparatus, wherein the control apparatusreceives a message indicating a status of the power generation apparatuswhen normal operation.
 2. The management system according to claim 1,wherein the control apparatus receives a message indicating an existenceof a function of transmitting the message indicating the status, beforereceiving the message indicating the status.
 3. The management systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the status includes either one of a statuswhere the power generation apparatus has stopped and a status where thepower generation apparatus is generating power.
 4. The management systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the status includes any one of stages froma state where the power generation apparatus has stopped to a statewhere the power generation apparatus generates power.
 5. The managementsystem according to claim 1, wherein the status includes any one ofstages from a state where the power generation apparatus generates powerto a state where the power generation apparatus has stopped.
 6. Themanagement system according to claim 1, wherein the power generationapparatus has a radiator, and the status includes whether or not theradiator is being used.
 7. The management system according to claim 1,wherein the power generation apparatus has a cell stack, and the statusincludes a temperature of the cell stack.
 8. A management systemcomprising: a hot-water supply unit, which has a power generationapparatus which generates power using fuel and a hot-water storageapparatus, and a control apparatus which communicates with the hot-watersupply unit, wherein the control apparatus receives a message indicatinga status of at least one of the power generation apparatus and thehot-water storage apparatus when normal operation.
 9. A managementmethod used in a management system having a power generation apparatuswhich generates power using fuel, and a control apparatus whichcommunicates with the power generation apparatus, comprising: a step ofreceiving, by the control apparatus, a message indicating a status ofthe power generation apparatus when normal operation.
 10. A controlapparatus which communicates with a power generation apparatus whichgenerates power using fuel, comprising: a reception unit which receivesa message indicating a status of the power generation apparatus whennormal operation.
 11. A power generation apparatus which generates powerusing fuel, comprising: a transmission unit which transmits a messageindicating a status of the power generation apparatus when normaloperation, to a control apparatus which communicates with the powergeneration apparatus.